Conditions vary from area to area, but in general a quarterly service visit is recommended. Today’s insecticides and preventative measures mean a monthly visit is not necessary unless you have an ongoing infestation problem. In fact, if you are just maintaining, a monthly visit means extra chemicals that you don’t really need, and money out of your pocket that doesn’t need to be spent.

One reason to choose quarterly pest control is to keep ahead of “seasonal invaders.” Pests thrive in the summer and the sheer numbers can make your home susceptible. In winter, changes in temperature, moisture, and availability of food will often drive outdoor bugs into your home. Ever wonder why those spiders seem to increase in the fall? They like comfort just as much as you and the decrease of flying bugs plus chilly temperatures mean your house is much better suited to them than your trees or shrubs. Wasps and yellow jackets are also examples of pests that like to “relocate” for the colder months. Your pest control technician can focus on the particular need of the season, not just a general sweep that may not address your needs. It may not even be necessary for the technician to come indoors as most of your pests will enter your home from the exterior.

Quarterly pest control is a good idea especially if you live in an area like Cypress prone to insidious bugs like termites, roaches, and carpenter ants. These pests in particular can invade your home and spread extremely rapidly. If you have only yearly visits—or do not choose to have pest control preventative maintenance—you may not detect a problem until it is too late. Termites, in particular, can start in an area you don’t check regularly, like basement joists, decking, and eaves. Studies show that a colony of 60,000 termites (and that’s normal!) can consume up to a foot of two by four in as little as four months. If that sounds negligible, remember that the termites don’t eat just a compact, one-foot length. They create tubes that run generally lengthwise through the timbers, weakening large sections at a time. Leave a colony like that alone, and they can do severe damage over the years without you even knowing it.

Scheduling a quarterly pest control service visit is a good idea for those who have a proactive attitude toward home maintenance. By choosing to inspect and treat seasonally, you are able to make sure that your home is pest free, ensuring your family’s health and safety. Spreading out your pest control on a quarterly basis means your technician can tailor your pest control to your needs, giving you the best service for your money.

If you need help finding someone to help you with your Cypress Pest Control issues, please visit our Service Providers page.

You can get a wealth of information on mortgage brokers just by picking up your phone. Friends and family are a great resource when choosing a mortgage broker. Ask if they felt they got a good rate, were treated well, and are happy with their loan. Don’t rely on just your Cypress real estate agent for advice—while they are a good source, your friends and family know you best. If you are moving to a new town and don’t know anyone, speak to your mortgage broker from your home city. They may be able to refer you to a broker in your new location.

Once you have a list of potential brokers, give them a call. Do the same even if you must choose from a provided list or the yellow pages. Your first clue about whether or not you’ve found the right person can be found in whether they answer your call right away. Everyone has commitments, so if you have to leave a message, how long does it take them to respond? Are they polite, helpful, and willing to work with your schedule?

The next step is to schedule some interviews. Yes you’re interviewing them. This is someone who will be working for you, it’s important you be able to ask the questions you have before hiring them to do their job. Wondering what to ask? Here are a few possibilities to get you started:

1. What fees do you charge? – There are several different price structures for mortgage brokers. Do they charge according to the size of the loan? Are there extra fees for points paid? Is there a flat fee? Do the fees depend on the loan provider?
2. What kind of loans/different companies do you use? – Do they only deal with one or two loan companies, or can they search extensively for the best loan for you? Some brokers will only deal with refinances, or avoid FHA loans. You want someone who will tailor your loan to your specific situation.
3. Can you explain this loan? – If the broker can’t tell you how a particular loan works in language you can understand, don’t use them. They should be able to easily calculate the amount you will need to put down and monthly payments (including estimated escrow for taxes and insurance!). They may also be able to give an idea of how much in closing costs you will pay, so there are no surprises when you get to the closing table. If the loan looks too good to be true, probe a little more to make sure there are no hidden charges or surprises down the road.
4. What are my options? – If you aren’t provided with more than one option, you need to try someone else.

When all is said and done, the most important thing for you is that you trust your mortgage broker. Go with the person who you feel most comfortable with. Getting a mortgage is a big decision; you want to make sure that the broker you work with is on your side with your best interests in mind.

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

8PM-10PM

North Harris Student Center 200

Free Comedian Show – TBA

Open To Public 14yrs And Up

For More Information Contact Student Life (281) 618-1189

LSC-Montgomery Mainstage Theatre (Bldg. D)

The LSC-Montgomery Choirs and Jazz Band ring in the holiday season with this annual tradition! Directors Kris Chapman and Dominick DiOrio will conduct an evening of beautiful carols and upbeat holiday favorites. Bring the whole family and join us in giving back to our community by honoring and supporting a local charity. Tickets $10 – all proceeds go to benefit a local charity.

http://www.lonestar.edu/montgomery-music-department.htm

Buy tickets now for the Annual Holiday Concert! The concert is on Thurs., Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre (Bldg. D). All proceeds go to Interfaith of the Woodlands. Info: www.LoneStar.edu/music-Montgomery or 936.273.7021.

LSC-North Harris Steel Drum Band

Free Event!

In LSC-North Harris Performing Arts Theater

Directed by John Cash Carpenter

Relax and unwind this holiday season with a magical evening in the theatre. This showcase will feature live music, singing, and dramatic artistry from the talented students of Lone Star College-North Harris.

Tickets:$5 Faculty/Seniors/Studets, $10 general admission

Arena Theatre (A-142)

Saturdays
Story Time with Mrs. Claus
Willowbrook Mall
2000 Willowbrook Mall
On the busy Saturday afternoons, Willowbrook Mall has some surprises in store for visitors who are at the shopping center. When Santa is taking a break in the afternoon, about 1 p.m., Mrs. Claus will reach into her magic bag and pull out some of her very favorite holiday books. She’ll invite all the guests to sit down and listen to some of the classics of the season. Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

Bear Creek United Methodist Church
16000 Rippling Water Dr.
The Bear Creek United Methodist Women’s Retreat, featuring Shannon Perry, will be held March 23-25, 2012, at Camp Allen. Registration forms are in the church office or the Welcome Center. Ladies who register Nov. 6, 2011 – Jan. 23, 2012 will receive a special reduced rate of $120. Anyone who registers Jan. 24 – Feb. 27 will be charged the full price of $160. For more information, contact Tanya Walker at twalker002@gmail.com, or Meredeth Buchman at meredethb@bearcreekumc.org. Visit bearcreekumc.org for more information or online registration. Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

Willowbrook Mall
2000 Willowbrook Mall
Santa will receive guests in his Holiday Wonderland daily through Saturday, December 24. Visits with Santa are at no charge, and photo packages are available. For more information, call 281-890-8000 or visit shopwillowbrookmall.com. Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.